Google Inc. was founded in 1998 and has its headquarters in California. Also known as “Google”, the company is the first one hundred billion brand globally. The company is known for its outstanding reward system and was ranked the best place to work in the U.S. in 2009 by Fortune magazine (Cook, 2014). Google’s business management practices will be reviewed in four sections; operations, culture, human resources management and corporate social responsibility.
Google Inc.’s Operations
Google’s stated mission is to organize information and make it useful and accessible universally (Google, Inc., 2014). The corporation maintains an enormous directory of websites and website content that is made freely available to people through their search engine. They also deliver online advertisements; Google Adwords and Adsense as their major source of revenue. Google operates in several countries including the UK and the US and their interface is available in more than 120 languages. Google is also a leading internet brands internationally. The company has more than 70 offices in over 40 countries (Google Inc., 2014).
Google provides support to other businesses by providing tools to help them succeed either on or off the web. The company’s advertising programs helps businesses to find customers, and supports the financial growth of publishers. The company provides cloud computing tools that enable businesses and organizations become more productive and achieve financial growth. Google builds products that make use of the web more efficient such as Chrome and Android. The company’s brand portfolio offering is grouped into six categories: client, applications, Google.com, Google GEO, Google labs, Google Checkout, Google Mobile and Android. The company is committed to the open web, online ecosystems and supports the use of renewable power.
Google, Inc.’s Culture
The company has a code of conduct that is strictly enforced; respect to fellow employees, attentiveness to customer feedback and integrity are key issues in the code.
The company also has an open culture; every employee is a contributor and top executives can be accessed directly if an employee has questions or concerns. Google’s is ranked as a top company based on their commitment to flexibility, innovative benefits and promotion of opportunities for creativity and innovation in unique ways. Google implements a participatory approach to leadership and is committed to making its offices all over the world culturally inclusive. Employees have freedom because the company has a flat structure and no real hierarchy. Furthermore, people work in teams, can switch teams at any time and are allowed to go to work at their convenience. The relaxed work environment created by the company encourages employees to more creative and committed to projects (Cook, 2014; Google Inc., 2014).
Human Resource Management at Google
Google is an equal opportunity employer. The company is committed to violence-free and supportive work environments so that their employees can reach full potential. The company is committed to candidates and hiring top talent that demonstrate potential and ability, and not just experience. They hire people based on individual merit and also based on qualifications that establish the competence of the individuals. Google, Inc. hires people from all works of life and backgrounds. Employee compensation is highly competitive. Benefit packages include free dental and health benefits, tuition reimbursement, insurance, flexible spending accounts, vacation packages, 401K plans and onsite health services. Other additional benefits include maternity benefits of 18 weeks with pay, child care, benefits for new parents, travel insurance, free legal services within the US, adoption assistance, matching gift programs, emergency assistance and common legal services with large group discount. Fringe benefits offered by the company include amenities like gyms, massage rooms, dining facilities, dry cleaning services, laundry, haircuts, commuting buses and carwashes.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Google, Inc. has a global talent development program that has the objective of promoting diversity within the corporation as well as develops a pool of technology experts. From a human resource management perspective, this digital leadership pool is necessary for the company to remain competitive. However, the company also focuses on the fact that technology companies face a common challenge regarding decrease numbers of computer science graduates, as well as opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities.
The company is committed to helping create pools of technology experts for technology companies that reflect the global population. This strategy is implemented through nonprofit organization partnerships, targeted recruitment initiatives, technical conferences, education outreach programs and global talent development initiatives. This strategy is a dual-purpose approach that enables workforce development for business communities globally as a form of social responsibility, as well as represents long term investment towards the recruitment and retention of a professional and diverse workforce. The other social responsibility aspect of this strategy is the promotion of technology education itself, and the improvement of skills and employment opportunities for minority groups, disabled persons and women (Google, Inc., 2014).
Conclusion
From the foregoing discussion, Google, Inc. manages its business in line with its mission, principles and values. Its wide offering of services and products focusing on individuals, business and the web enables profitable information use globally. Its principles and values are also demonstrated in its code of conduct, human resources practices, culture and its response to societal needs.
- Cook, J. (2014). How google motivates their employees with rewards and perks. Retrieved April 18, 2014 from http://thinkingleader.hubpages.com/
- Google, Inc. (2014). Company overview. Retrieved April 18, 2014 from https://www.google.com/
